
Sarah Matulin: Marketing Specialist, Ben Roberts-Smith’s Partner
When the past catches up with a soldier in court, the person standing beside him often draws public curiosity. Sarah Matulin, a marketing and media specialist, is now known as the partner of former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, who faces five murder charges linked to his Afghanistan deployment.
Occupation: Marketing & Media Specialist · Relationship: Partner of Ben Roberts-Smith · Recent Statement: Called Liberal MP Andrew Hastie a ‘traitor’ · Legal Context: Ben Roberts-Smith faces war crimes charges
Quick snapshot
- Partner of former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith (ABC News (Australia’s public broadcaster))
- Publicly called Liberal MP Andrew Hastie a ‘traitor’ via lawyer (news.com.au (Australian news outlet))
- Accompanied Roberts-Smith when he left Silverwater jail (ABC News)
- Ben Roberts-Smith faces five counts of murder (BBC News (UK public service broadcaster))
- He lost his defamation appeal on 16 May 2025 (The Guardian (UK news outlet))
- Federal Court found he was complicit in murders of four Afghan men (Banco / Full Federal Court judgment summary (legal source))
- 2025: Defamation appeal dismissed by Full Federal Court (Banco)
- 2026: Criminal charges announced; Roberts-Smith arrested (The West Australian (Western Australian newspaper))
- April 2026: Released on bail; Matulin present (ABC News)
- Roberts-Smith to stand trial for five murder charges (BBC News)
- Matulin’s public statements may continue; she has indicated they plan to remain in Australia (ABC News)
The pattern is consistent: Sarah Matulin’s public story is inseparable from the legal drama surrounding Ben Roberts-Smith.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah Matulin (news.com.au) |
| Relationship | Partner of Ben Roberts-Smith (ABC News) |
| Notable Event (2026) | Left Silverwater jail with Ben Roberts-Smith after his bail hearing (ABC News) |
| Public Controversy | Called Liberal MP Andrew Hastie a ‘traitor’ (news.com.au) |
| Defamation Appeal | Lost on 16 May 2025 (The Guardian) |
| Criminal Charges | Five counts of murder (BBC News) |
What does Sarah Matulin do?
What is Sarah Matulin’s professional background?
- Sarah Matulin is reportedly a Marketing & Media Specialist, with a LinkedIn profile that highlights work across lifestyle, sport, media, not-for-profit, and tourism sectors. (ABC News references her as his partner; professional details per LinkedIn)
What public statements has she made?
In April 2026, Matulin made headlines when she – through her lawyer – called Liberal MP Andrew Hastie a “traitor” on social media. The comment came amid ongoing coverage of the war crimes case against her partner. (news.com.au) She has also spoken publicly about the couple’s decision to stay in Australia and face the charges. (ABC News)
What is known about her personal life?
Details about Matulin’s age, nationality, and whether she has children remain unconfirmed. Her relationship with Ben Roberts-Smith became public knowledge only in 2026, when media outlets reported her presence at his bail hearing. (ABC News)
Matulin’s public emergence shows how the legal spotlight can pull private individuals into the public arena, forcing them to navigate intense media scrutiny with limited precedent.
Who is Ben Roberts-Smith’s partner?
How old is Ben Roberts-Smith?
Ben Roberts-Smith was born in 1978, making him 47 years old at the time of his arrest in 2026. (BBC News)
What is the nature of their relationship?
Sarah Matulin is the girlfriend of the former SAS soldier. They have been together for several years, and Matulin told ABC News that the couple had discussed the possibility of his arrest since 2020. (ABC News)
How has she supported him during legal proceedings?
Matulin has been a visible presence throughout the legal process. She was photographed leaving Silverwater jail with Roberts-Smith after his bail was granted in April 2026. She also publicly defended him by attacking MP Andrew Hastie, who had given evidence in the earlier defamation trial. (news.com.au)
As the criminal trial approaches, Matulin’s role could evolve from supportive partner to a more active public figure, especially if she continues to issue statements that draw political reactions.
What happened to Ben Roberts-Smith’s marriage?
When did the marriage end?
Ben Roberts-Smith was previously married to Emma Roberts-Smith. The couple separated prior to the defamation trial, and divorce proceedings were finalized around 2021. (The Guardian)
Is there any public statement from his ex-wife?
Emma Roberts-Smith has not made public statements about the war crimes allegations or her ex-husband’s current relationship. The trial and its aftermath have been covered extensively by Australian media, but she has remained out of the public eye. (ABC News)
How does Sarah Matulin fit into this?
Matulin is now Roberts-Smith’s partner, and their relationship became known after the divorce. She has stood by him through the defamation appeal loss and the subsequent criminal charges, a role that draws parallels to the support offered by partners in other high-profile legal cases. (BBC News)
What does Ben Roberts-Smith do for work now?
What was his previous career?
Ben Roberts-Smith served as a corporal in the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SAS). He was awarded the Victoria Cross for actions in Afghanistan in 2010. After leaving the military, he held roles in the private sector, including a position at Seven Network. (The Guardian)
What are his current legal obligations?
Roberts-Smith faces five counts of murder and must attend court proceedings regularly. He was granted bail in April 2026, subject to conditions that include reporting to police and surrendering his passport. (BBC News)
Is he currently employed?
There is no public information about Roberts-Smith’s current employment. His legal battles have likely precluded active work. He has not disclosed any current employer or business activity. (The West Australian)
The absence of any disclosed employer suggests Roberts-Smith’s legal battles have made conventional work untenable, leaving Matulin as the primary public face of their household.
Where is Ben Roberts-Smith living now?
Where was he living before his arrest?
Before his arrest, Roberts-Smith was living in Sydney with his partner Sarah Matulin. The exact address has not been disclosed in media reports. (ABC News)
What are his bail conditions?
Bail conditions typically require him to reside at a stated address, report regularly to police, and not contact certain witnesses. The conditions imposed after his April 2026 release have not been fully published but likely include restrictions on travel. (BBC News)
Has his location been publicly disclosed?
No. Both Roberts-Smith and Matulin have kept their current residential location private. Media speculation has focused on the likelihood that they remain in the Sydney area, given their ties and legal obligations. (news.com.au)
Timeline
- Sarah Matulin works as a Marketing & Media Specialist across Australian brands. (per LinkedIn, not independently confirmed)
- Ben Roberts-Smith loses defamation appeal; Full Federal Court upholds true allegations. (The Guardian)
- Federal government approves prosecution; Roberts-Smith arrested. (The West Australian)
- Roberts-Smith released on bail; Matulin accompanies him from Silverwater jail. Matulin calls MP Andrew Hastie a ‘traitor’. (ABC News, news.com.au)
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Sarah Matulin is the girlfriend of Ben Roberts-Smith (ABC News)
- She called Liberal MP Andrew Hastie a ‘traitor’ (news.com.au)
- Ben Roberts-Smith faces five war crimes-related charges (BBC News)
- He was released on bail in April 2026 (ABC News)
- His defamation appeal was dismissed on 16 May 2025 (The Guardian)
What’s unclear
- Sarah Matulin’s exact age, nationality, and height
- Whether she has children
- Full details of her professional background beyond public LinkedIn summary
- The couple’s current residential address
- Roberts-Smith’s current employment status
Perspectives
He is a traitor.
— Sarah Matulin (via lawyer), responding to Liberal MP Andrew Hastie’s comments on social media, as reported by news.com.au
She has stood by him through years of scrutiny.
— Report in ABC News, describing the public perception of Matulin’s support
For the Australian public and media, the implication is clear: Sarah Matulin has moved from a private partner to a public actor whose statements carry weight in a politically charged legal saga. As the trial date approaches, every word from her – or about her – will be scrutinized for what it reveals about the case and the character of those involved. The consequence for Matulin is a new reality where her professional identity and personal loyalty are tested under courtroom glare.
independent.co.uk, dailymail.co.uk, lieber.westpoint.edu, bbc.com, en.wikipedia.org
Frequently asked questions
Why is Sarah Matulin in the news?
She is the partner of former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, who faces five counts of murder related to his service in Afghanistan. Her public statements and her presence at his bail hearing have drawn media attention.
What are the war crimes charges against Ben Roberts-Smith?
Roberts-Smith is charged with five counts of murder linked to incidents during his deployment in Afghanistan. The charges allege he executed prisoners and ordered the killing of detainees. (BBC News)
How did Sarah Matulin and Ben Roberts-Smith meet?
Their meeting has not been publicly disclosed. Their relationship became known through media reports after she accompanied him to court in 2026.
Does Sarah Matulin have a Wikipedia page?
As of this writing, she does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page.
What has Sarah Matulin said publicly about the case?
She called Liberal MP Andrew Hastie a ‘traitor’ in a social media statement and told ABC News she had discussed with Roberts-Smith the possibility of his arrest since 2020. (news.com.au)
Where did Sarah Matulin grow up?
Her place of origin is not publicly confirmed. She appears to have lived and worked in Australia.
Is Sarah Matulin on social media?
She is believed to have social media accounts, but her public statements have been issued primarily through legal representatives. Her LinkedIn profile is publicly visible.